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This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Ryan Cowan. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal
Written by Ryan Cowan Illustrated by Halo Rife Ages: 9-12 | 252 Pages Publisher: For the Northern Star Publishing (2022) | ISBN-13: 9788351181905 Publisher’s Book Summary: Elliott attends his third-grade class like any other boy, except that Elliott isn’t like any other boy. Endowed with magical powers, Elliott belongs to a secret world called Moonstone—and trouble is brewing. When the evil witch Noir steals The Halloween Crystal, it’s up to Elliott and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, to stop Noir from invading the non-magical world on Halloween night. But can Elliott learn to master his powers in time? Author Interview
Ryan Cowan works as an educator in Los Angeles. He received his Master of Education in Urban Teaching degree (EdM) from UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. For more information see https://www.instagram.com/sloanmoonbeam/
Where did you get the inspiration for Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal?
Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal was inspired by several things: my love of Halloween, my career as a teacher, and the popular 80s cartoon, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. I wanted to write a story with magic and mystery that also taught valuable lessons to kids because that’s what the He-Man cartoons did for me when I was a kid. What was your writing process like for this book? It is very hard for me to remember the writing process for Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal because it happened in spurts. I started writing the book during the summer of 2011, and I remember that there was no plan for the book. In other words, the story just came out of nowhere – including the characters. I would sit each weekend and write a chapter and out of nowhere I’d think of a character. I remember creating the ghost Ginny and being very pleased – crediting it to good luck. Then, around 2013-14, I got writer’s block. Frustrated, I stopped writing and resume the story until summer of 2017. I used graphic organizers to construct the last 25% of the book and began writing again. Within a year, the book was finished, and I was pleased with the ending. I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had never felt before. Writing a book is a hard journey but worth the effort! What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? When someone tells me they loved my story, I’m on cloud nine. I also love seeing it hit #1 on Amazon! What are you working on now? I have finished the sequel, Mr. Moonbeam and the Legends of Moonstone. Currently, I’m editing the sequel and soon I’ll send it off to a professional editor. Then, it will go through illustration, design, and finally publishing! What is your favorite book? I think Gone with the Wind is a descriptive masterpiece and The Alchemist is full of wisdom. Those books have inspired me greatly. Charlotte’s Web is my favorite children’s book. I try to read as much as I can! Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal and an exclusive, limited-edition themed T-shirt!
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